Marine Engineering : Introduction

Three quarters of the earths surface is surrounded by water and for
that reason itself Marine engineering is a very exciting and challenging
field for those who are passionate about sea and are fond of working with
tools. Even though waterways are comparatively used less for traveling,
above 80% of the goods transportation happens through sea. For international
export and import of freights, countries mainly depend on ships and other
water vessels. Marine Engineering is the most basic profession as far
as ships and navigation is concerned.

Marine engineering is a branch of Engineering that deals with nautical
architecture and science. The term 'Marine Engineering' is meant
for research conducted in oceans and coastal or inland waters connected
to the sea. Marine Engineering courses deal with construction and maintenance
of ships and other sailing vessels. The three professions, i.e Naval Architecture,
Marine Engineering and Ocean Engineering are interrelated and sometimes
may be confusing. Naval Architects are those who are involved with basic
ship design, starting with hull forms and overall arrangements, power
requirements, structure and stability. Ocean Engineers study the ocean
environment to determine its effects on ships and other marine vehicles
and structures. They may design and operate stationary ocean platforms,
or manned or remote-operated sub-surface vehicles used for deep sea exploration.

Marine Engineers have the complete responsibility of the ship's technical
management. They are responsible for selecting the ships' machinery,
which may include diesel engines, steam turbines, gas turbines; and
for the design of mechanical, electrical, fluid and control systems
throughout the vessel. They are the members of a ship's crew who are
in charge for managing a team of marine technicians and craftspeople.
The construction, operations and maintenance of the engine room are
the main obligation of a Marine engineer. That means the Marine engineer
deals with the technical area of the ship. In fact, they are the overall
in charge of the engine and its crew, and ensure the safety and standards
of the marine body. The role of Marine Engineers has widened and smoothened
with modern development and electronic navigation.

A four year BE in Marine Engineering is the basic educational qualification
needed to become a Marine engineer. This is a career that offers vast
job opportunities including off-shore jobs and the most attractive part
is its huge remuneration and NRI status. Many Indian and foreign institutes
offer courses in Marine Engineering. Immense job opportunities are awaiting
for Marine engineers and they have nearly 100% placement rates. The demand
for Marine Engineers in public and private shipping companies has risen
sharply, with the increase in international global sea traffic.